Philip R. "Phil" Cunningham

Philip "Phil" R. Cunningham, 70, of Marysville, lifelong resident of the Watkins community, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024, at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center following a brief illness.

The only son of four children, Phil was born August 10, 1953, in Columbus to the late Benjamin T. and Lois J. (Arthurs) Cunningham. A 1971 graduate of Fairbanks High School, he also attended the Ohio State University. It was during this time that he married his high school sweetheart, the former Melody K. Clark, on December 2, 1972, and they shared 51 years of love, family, and horses together.

While he worked as a postman for the Dublin Post Office for over 20 years, Phil was first and foremost a 3rd generation horseman. He had a great knack for developing horses and he loved to work with the two-year-olds. After retiring from the post office, he once again got involved with horses working for Brian Brown Stable, Jessica and Cam McCown and the LeVan Stables. He also started training his own horses with his most recent horse being BC Sweetheart, winner of the first division of the 3-year-old Filly Pace at Delaware, Ohio this past September. The win was Phil's first at Delaware and most exciting win, not only because it was at Delaware during Jug Week but also because it was called by "The Voice" Roger Houston. Roger also called Phil's first win at the Champaign County Fair in the early 1970's. Phil was a member of the United States Trotting Association and the Ohio Harness Horseman Association.

Aside from his love for animals, Phil was also an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan and was also known to root for the Cleveland Browns. He also enjoyed his time playing poker and he and Melody often visited Las Vegas so he could play in earnest. While Phil was known to be stubborn, he was also dedicated, giving all to his family, his animals, and his friends all who will greatly miss him.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Melody: their son Paul (Lori) Cunningham of Marysville; sisters Kay (Rick) Bidwell of Ft. Myers, Florida, Kathy Cunningham of Dublin and Paula Cunningham of Marysville: Aunt Patricia Arthurs: brother-in-law Albert Arehart; special niece and great nephew Janell (Carlo) and Oliver Burns; special nephew Jordan (Valarie Dile) Arehart; in-laws Dawn (Bill) Burger, Virginia Clemons, Julia Byers, Mary (Tom) Poeschel, David (Tara) Clark, Charles (Carla) Clark and John Clark: numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends; his beloved horse, BC Sweetheart; his cats Buddy, Spot, Callie and Lilly and his ornery grand-kittens Zoe, Bear, Tigris and Wolfi.

Along with his parents, Phil was also preceded in death by his nieces Chantel & Natalie Arehart: and father and mother-in-law Dwight and Phyllis Clark.

Calling hours will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday January 18th, 2024, at Ingram Funeral Home, 975 N. Maple St., Marysville, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday January 19, 2024. Rev. James Taylor will officiate, and burial will follow at the Watkins Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Christian Harness Horseman Association, 157 North Main Street, Salem, NH 03079 or the Union County Humane Society, 16540 County Home Road, Marysville OH 43040. Contribution cards will also be available at the funeral home during service time.

The family requests that for those in attendance for Phil's calling hours and funeral, to please feel comfortable wearing their favorite casual horse attire, their favorite sports team attire, or the colors of green and gold in honor of Phil's love for horses, sports, and his racing colors.

The family would like to thank Tom Verne, Mike Harder and Eric Wilt for taking care of BC Sweetheart; to Brian and Jennifer Brown, Cam and Jessica McCown, Hank, and Louie LeVan for giving Phil an opportunity to do what he loved most; to Ray France "Chicken Man" for helping us with a special request; and Roger Houston for the amazing race call of Phil's last win.

Also, a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Marysville Memorial Hospital and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for their compassionate and respectful care of Phil.

Ingram Funeral Home is honored to serve Phil's family, and condolences may be expressed to them at www.IngramFuneralService.com.